Introduction : Accurate reporting of Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) is essential for reliable mortality statistics and informed public health planning. In Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, a review of internal processes was undertaken to identify gaps in documentation and electronic reporting within the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system.
Methods : A process review and audit were conducted in Kelamangalam and Denkanikottai Town Panchayats. Verbal autopsy practices, availability of Form 4 and Form 4A (MCCD), and entries in the Electronic Mortality (e-MOR) platform were assessed. Discrepancies between available hard-copy MCCD forms and electronic records were identified and escalated through district health authorities. Corrective actions, including retroactive data entry and district-wide audits, were initiated.
RESULTS : In Kelamangalam Town Panchayat, 79 of 85 home deaths had Form 4A available; however, 63 were not entered into e-MOR. In Denkanikottai, 54 of 173 deaths had Form 4A available, with 7 not uploaded to e-MOR. The review highlighted underutilization of available MCCD documentation and gaps in data entry processes. Following escalation, retroactive provisions enabled correction of pending entries, and a district-wide audit was initiated to standardize practices.
CONCLUSION: Strengthening documentation practices, improving data entry training, and instituting regular audits can significantly enhance the completeness and accuracy of cause-of-death reporting. The collaborative model adopted in Kelamangalam demonstrates a scalable good practice for improving CRS efficiency and supporting evidence-based public health decision-making.